Erin Freriks – New Principal of Whittier Elementary School

On March 26, 2024, the Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board approved the hiring of Erin Freriks as the next principal of Whittier Elementary School. Staff and family members participated in an extensive hiring process to select the best candidate.

Erin Freriks is an accomplished educational leader, bringing extensive teaching experience and a proven track record of driving positive change through collaboration and data-driven instruction. She recently served as an Instructional Enrichment and Intervention Specialist and is now the Interim Principal at Whittier, leading leadership team meetings, implementing key procedures like walk-throughs, multi-tiered system of supports, and ensuring campus safety.

Prior to that administrative role, Freriks was a Master Teacher at Whittier from 2022-2023 where she conducted data analysis meetings, mentored associate teachers, and participated in leadership team decision-making. She has taken on several leadership positions, including co-chair of the Prop 301 Committee from 2018-2023, guiding budget discussions and securing staff approval for the plan. Freriks also served as the District Collaborative Team Meeting 4th Grade Lead, presenting data analysis and leading instructional cycles.

In the classroom, Freriks spent 7 years as a highly effective 4^th grade teacher at Edison Elementary. She effectively integrated cooperative learning, tracked student growth data, and built positive relationships with students and parents. Freriks has also been involved in extracurricular activities like coaching Girls on the Run and teaching summer programs.

Freriks holds a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is certified as a Principal in Arizona for grades K-12 as well as an elementary teacher for K-8. 

With her leadership experience, expertise in data analysis and instruction, dedication to student growth, and passion for the Whittier community, Freriks is well-equipped to lead Whittier Elementary into the future.